The University of Arizona is seeking a Research Development Associate (RDA) in the Research Development Services (RDS) unit with the primary responsibility of supporting faculty in pursuit of external funding (federal, foundation, and industry) in education, inclusion, and training. Applicants for the RDA position should have demonstrated knowledge of federal funding mechanisms, specifically NIH, NSF, and USDA mechanisms, and a successful track record developing, reviewing, and/or editing federal grant proposals. Applicants should be willing to learn foundation and industry proposal development (if not already experienced) and have experience with strategic planning and project team facilitation and in pursuing grants and awards. This role requires a self-directed individual with excellent oral and written communication skills, broad knowledge in education and inclusion research, and a professional demeanor.

The new RDA will join a team of fellow Associates supporting federal, industry, and foundation sponsored research. This role demands that the individual be forward-thinking in anticipating funding opportunities, possess a collaborative approach with high energy, attitude for excellence, and creativity.

RDS was established in 2014 as part of the commitment of the University of Arizona’s Research, Discovery & Innovation to provide research support for faculty. RDS is charged with engaging in strategic, proactive, catalytic, and capacity-building activities with University of Arizona researchers to attract increased extramural research funding. Since inception, RDS has supported more than $250 million in awards to faculty at the University of Arizona.

With more than $687 million in research and development dollars from federal, state, and private sources. The University of Arizona currently ranks #1 in astronomy and astrophysics research and #22 overall in research funding among U.S. public institutions. With world class faculty in fields as diverse as astronomy and space exploration, plant science, biomedical science and biotechnology, anthropology, Native peoples, business, law, philosophy, music, and dance, the UA is one of only 62 members in the Association of American Universities. The University's main campus is situated in the heart of Tucson, a city of over 1 million people surrounded by mountains and the high Sonoran Desert, boasting a distinctive southwestern feel with more than 300 days of sunshine each year.

The UA today has over 45,000 students, and nearly 15,600 employees and is home to two medical schools. The main campus encompasses more than 350 acres in a park-like setting nationally recognized as an arboretum due to the diverse collection of arid-lands species from throughout the world. The University of Arizona offers a broad range of educational programs and support services that attract an excellent and diverse student body. The University of Arizona has earned the designation of Hispanic-Serving Institution from the U.S. Department of Education for our success in the enrollment of Hispanic students, and is one of an elite few that is also an AAU and Research 1 university.

Outstanding UA benefits include health, dental, and vision insurance plans; life insurance and disability programs; paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays; UA/ASU/NAU tuition reduction for the employee and qualified family members; state and optional retirement plans; access to UA recreation and cultural activities; and more!

The University of Arizona has been recognized for our innovative work-life programs. For more information about working at the University of Arizona and relocations services, please .

The University of Arizona is in the process of creating a new classification and compensation architecture. This University Career Architecture Project (UCAP) will revolutionize the way we think about professions and manage compensation at the UA. It is a two year initiative that will replace the current classified staff and appointed professional categories of employment with market-based job functions and families. As an applicant, UCAP will create clearer career paths and opportunities and will help you make more informed pay decisions. To learn more about this project, please visit ucap.arizona.edu.

*Develop, utilize, and maintain a comprehensive understanding of University of Arizona capabilities and strengths in relevant areas to assist faculty and administration with long-term strategic research initiatives and identification of extramural funding;
*Provide proposal development support to faculty including ensuring alignment with the solicitation and funder's research priority areas, drafting non-technical sections, editing proposal sections, and integration of scientific/technical proposal content;
*Coordinate with appropriate units across campus in the preparation and submission of funding proposals;
*Develop and maintain familiarity with grant opportunities and personnel at funding agencies and partners;
*Monitor, analyze, synthesize, and report on relevant opportunities;
*Assist with the development of strategic goals for future funding, including identifying areas of existing and emerging strengths, gathering competitive intelligence on sponsors, and helping teams form;
*Assist with the response to Requests for Information, Dear Colleague Letters, Letters of Intent, pre-proposals, and white papers, etc.;
*Consult on design, graphics, and other illustrative materials during proposal preparation;
*Support coordination and convening of peer reviews and formal pink and red team reviews for proposals;
*Support research-related workshops for UA faculty;
*Assist with the development of tools and guidance on proposal development for the RDS website.
*Additional duties may be assigned.

*Ph.D. AND one-year experience in research development-related activities OR Master's degree AND three years' experience in research development-related activities
*Track record of supporting successful research proposals in the specified fields or closely related fields;
*Excellent project management and oral and written communication skills;
*Track record of excellent interpersonal and liaison skills, including the ability to interact effectively with a broad group of stakeholders, both internal and external;
*Strong editing ability and attention to detail;
*Ability to prioritize multiple, complex projects;
*Ability to work and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment; and
*Proficiency in MS Office suite programs and use of web-based resources.

*PhD AND three years' experience in research development-related activities OR Master's degree AND six years' experience in research development-related activities;
*Experience with NIH T-series grants;
*Familiarity with Dept. of Education (including Institute of Education Sciences) grants.

Kim Patten
kjpatten@email.arizona.edu

Note: Finalists will be asked to participate in a short exercise that may include editing of a specific aims page, identification of potential team members for an opportunity, or similar research development related activity.

At the University of Arizona, we value our inclusive climate because we know that diversity in experiences and perspectives is vital to advancing innovation, critical thinking, solving complex problems, and creating an inclusive academic community. As an Hispanic-serving institution, we translate these values into action by seeking individuals who have experience and expertise working with diverse students, colleagues, and constituencies. Because we seek a workforce with a wide range of perspectives and experiences, we provide equal employment opportunities to applicants and employees without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or genetic information. As an Employer of National Service, we also welcome alumni of AmeriCorps, Peace Corps, and other national service programs and others who will help us advance our Inclusive Excellence initiative aimed at creating a university that values student, staff and faculty engagement in addressing issues of diversity and inclusiveness.